Bond composers salute trumpet legend Derek Watkins

James Bond composers Thomas Newman and David Arnold have spoken to Classic FM about their admiration and respect for trumpeter Derek Watkins, who has appeared on every official Bond movie soundtrack.

In a forthcoming interview to be broadcast this Friday at 8pm, James Bond composers David Arnold and Thomas Newman have praised the trumpeter Derek Watkins, who has played trumpet on every Bond soundtrack so far.

David Arnold, composer of five Bond scores, commented: "He's all our lucky charm, and not only that but he's the most extraordinary player."

Thomas Newman, who succeeds Arnold as the composer of the forthcoming Bond movie Skyfall, also praised Watkins status in Bond history: "When Sam Mendes went out on to the podium after we'd finished recording and acknowledged Derek, you should've heard the orchestra. He had to take two bows because people kept applauding him."

Originally appearing on the soundtrack of Dr. No in 1962 at the age of 17, Watkins has also worked with greats like Johnny Dankworth, Frank Sinatra and the London Symphony Orchestra.